Wayfinder Family Services New Heights Newsletter

Spring 2018

NEW HEIGHTS

Stories about life-changing journeys made possible by you!

SIDE BY SIDE: Katrina and Mason

“W

e’ll travel along, singing a song, side by side…” Two 8-year-olds, Katrina and Mason, sang this lyric on their first day at a music program for the blind, nine years ago.

Katrina remembers, “I felt like the song was a message to him. I felt like it would be a good idea to be his friend.” This notion blossomed into an enriching friendship, nurtured by their shared love of music and summers at Camp Bloomfield.

“I felt like the song was a message to him. I felt like it would be a good idea to be his friend.”

For 60 years, children with vision loss have explored the outdoors and built self-esteem at Wayfinder’s Camp Bloomfield in the beautiful Santa Monica Mountains.

In a safe environment, blind children enjoy the same traditional camp activities and sports that sighted children do. Most important, Camp Bloomfield combats feelings of isolation that many blind children experience.

One of the things Mason likes most about his camp experience is meeting new friends.

Katrina agrees. “A lot of the other camps I’ve been to, the campers don’t like to talk to people with visual impairments,” Katrina says. “But when you go to Camp Bloomfield, everyone’s accepting.”

A few months after Katrina’s birth, she was diagnosed with an underdeveloped optic nerve. Today, Katrina can see light and shadow in her right eye and has partial vision in her left. (continued on page 2)

NEW HEIGHTS Take a look inside Wayfinder’s latest newsletter:

Q&A with CEO Miki Jordan page 2

From the Archives page 3

Wayfinder Moments page 7

Junior Blind has a new name! WAYFINDER FAMILY SERVICES (continued from page 1)

Side by Side

Q&A with Miki Jordan Wayfinder Family Services President & CEO

M

iki Jordan joined Wayfinder Family Services in 2006.

Below, we continue our series of questions and Miki’s answers about the organization’s new name and the organization’s unchanging commitment to children and families.

None of this slows Katrina down. According to Mason, “She’s very up-and-at-’em. If you ask her something, she’s… boom!” Katrina is an orange belt in jujitsu, practices archery and swims. But most of all, she’s a musician, like Mason.

What three words would you choose to describe Wayfinder Family Services?

Compassionate. Innovative. Tenacious.

What are the greatest needs at Wayfinder Family Services?

Weighing only two pounds when he was born prematurely, Mason was put on a high dosage of oxygen, which caused his total blindness.

He is a musician, skier and swimmer. “When we compose music together,” says Katrina, “he always comes up with these beautiful pieces of music.”

For many children, Camp Bloomfield is life-changing. They blossom. “Camp Bloomfield makes them feel that they can do whatever they want to do,” says Martha, Mason’s mother. Katrina’s mother, Megan, sees her daughter’s self-esteem grow too.

“Camp Bloomfield definitely improves her confidence,” Megan says. “She seems so happy, and she’s not second-guessing herself.”

When they have free time at Camp Bloomfield, (continued on page 6) 2 • Spring 2018

Several of our programs are funded completely by private dollars, like Camp Bloomfield. In cases where we receive public dollars, the cost of providing Wayfinder’s highquality services far exceeds the funding that we receive from public sources. Each year, we must raise money from individuals, foundations and corporations to fund our programs and bridge the gap between the true cost of providing our exemplary programs and the funding we receive. Every dollar helps us change a life.

Do you still serve children who are blind?

Yes! We are as deeply committed as ever to the blindness community. In fact, we serve more children with vision loss across California than any other organization. We are one of the few organizations that has the expertise to work with children with vision impairment and multiple disabilities. We are so proud that our services reach visually impaired people of all ages, from early intervention for infants and toddlers, through recreation programs for children, to workforce development for teens and young adults who are entering the workforce.

These programs and more will continue to meet the needs of children and adults who are blind, today and into the future.

•

To read the full interview with Miki Jordan and learn more about Wayfinder Family Services, please visit www.wayfinderfamily.org/MikiQandA

From the Archives The Year: 1964 The People: This familiar photo includes Ken (left) and Leonard (right) in a famous shot by Doug Wilson called The Blind Are Also Color Blind.

The Moment: Taken at Camp Bloomfield in the Santa Monica Mountains, this photograph hung briefly in the White House during President Johnson’s administration and was circulated internationally. It became a symbol for the civil rights movement in the 1960s.

LEAVE YOUR LASTING LEGACY

Please consider remembering Wayfinder in your estate plans

W

e all have dreams and purpose. Things we want to achieve in our lifetime. A legacy we want to leave behind.

Since 1953, the purpose of Wayfinder Family Services has been to strive for a world in which every child and family can overcome the obstacles they face—a world in which everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Leave your lasting legacy to future generations of children, youth, adults and families facing some of the greatest challenges by remembering Wayfinder Family Services in your estate plans.

To learn more about planned gifts, contact Randy Sprabary at: (323) 295-4555 Ext 220 or rsprabary@wayfinderfamily.org

Planned gifts offer Wayfinder sustained, long-term financial support, so that we can continue our critical programs for decades to come. In fact, much of our success is due to the generous support of donors who provided for Wayfinder in their estates.

You can depend on Wayfinder Family Services to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow!

•

NEW HEIGHTS • 3

Junior Blind has a new name! WAYFINDER FAMILY SERVICES

LINDA MYERSON DEAN

Continuing the family tradition of giving and service

E

ntrepreneur. Philanthropist. Leader. These words describe Wayfinder Board Member Linda Myerson Dean. And these traits run deep in Linda’s family.

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Linda is the granddaughter of candy manufacturer Ben Myerson, who opened Ben Myerson Candy Company in 1937.

Best known for Sunkist Fruit Gems, the company was sold to Jelly Belly Candy Company in 2006.

The Myersons continued building Wine Warehouse, their beverage wholesale division. Today, Wine Warehouse is one of the largest distributors of premium alcoholic beverages in the United States.

Linda, who joined the company after college, is the

senior vice president and co-owner.

Despite Linda’s busy professional career, service to the community is one of her top priorities. “When I was 16, I was Meals on Wheels’ youngest volunteer,” says Linda. “Delivering food and visiting mostly elderly, housebound adults changed my life. Helping others became a passion.”

Linda credits her grandfather Ben for setting an example for giving back. “He would send a little bit of money to every organization that asked,” recalls Linda.

“He wasn’t an extremely wealthy man, but he believed

Hope in a Suitcase Arrives at Wayfinder Lifting the spirits of children entering foster care

T

hey arrive at Wayfinder with little more than the clothes on their back. Some carry trash bags containing a few meager belongings. They are neglected, abused or abandoned children. In Wayfinder’s Cottage, they find solace, loving care and Hope in a Suitcase.

Wayfinder is one of four organizations in Los Angeles County that provides safe, temporary shelter for abused children while they await placement with a foster family. Known as The Cottage, our shelter is the only one of the four that accepts infants and toddlers.

The Hope in a Suitcase team on a “packing day.”

At The Cottage, children receive expert, loving care so they can begin to heal. They also receive hot meals, new clothes and “comfort kits” that include stuffed animals, pajamas, books and blankets. The nonprofit Hope in a Suitcase partners with Wayfinder to provide clothing and belongings that children can call their own. When children leave, they receive a new duffel bag filled with everything they need to start the next chapter in their lives.

Hope in a Suitcase was born “around a kitchen table and with a little naivety,” says Marsha Todd Austen, one of the co-founders, with a smile. She and several friends were deeply moved by reports of children entering the foster care system carrying their belongings in trash bags.

4 • Spring 2018

that if everyone gave a little bit, the world would be a better place.”

in the organization’s success and growth, devoting countless hours to board leadership And it was Ben and volunteer “I knew an investment Myerson’s legacy in Wayfinder would be work. Harold that led Linda Davidson, Davre an investment in the to Wayfinder. and Charlotte’s future of so many young Ben and his son, invited Linda wife, Edna, were people who need and to visit Wayfinder. close friends “When I met deserve the services it with Davre Miki Jordan, I provides.” and Charlotte was impressed Davidson, founders of Aramark. with her dynamic and strong Davre and Charlotte, beloved leadership,” says Linda. “I knew an donors and members of the investment in Wayfinder would be Wayfinder family, were instrumental an investment in the future of so

many young people who need and deserve the services it provides.”

The Davidson and Myerson traditions of support continue today. Linda, Harold Davidson and Scott Farkas (Harold’s nephew and Wayfinder’s board chair) are all on Wayfinder’s board. In addition, Linda chairs Wayfinder’s development committee.

“Our society needs a beacon of hope for our most vulnerable,” says Linda.

“Wayfinder is that beacon, and I am so proud to be a part of it.”

•

DID YOU KNOW? Volunteering is good for your health and keeps your mind sharp. A study released by Johns Hopkins University in 2009 revealed that volunteering actually increases brain function. Contact Debbie McBeth at (323) 290-6291 or DMcBeth@WayfinderFamily.org for volunteer opportunities.

When Marsha first visited The Cottage at Wayfinder, she was struck by the cozy surroundings. “Everyone has a grim view of what a shelter looks like,” says Marsha. “But Wayfinder’s Cottage breaks the mold. The people set the tone, and the space matches that warmth.”

DID YOU KNOW?

In 2017, 28,019 children were removed from their homes in California.

By providing children with clothes, essentials and comfort items, Hope in a Suitcase makes the transition into foster care a little bit easier. “Our goal is to free Wayfinder’s expert staff from scrambling to provide clothing essentials so that they can focus on comforting and settling newly arrived children,” says Marsha. “Hope in a Suitcase wants every child to meet their new foster family with dignity, without the Hope in a Suitcase Founder Marsha Todd Aus tin with a lasting memory of arriving with a trash bag.” young voluntee

r.

Hope in a Suitcase lifts children’s spirit in the most unimaginable moments they can face. At The Cottage, a little girl twirls around in her new dress. A boy’s face lights up when he sees the cartoon character on his duffle bag. For a few moments, everything is better.

For these moments and so much more, thank you to Marsha and Hope in a Suitcase.

•

DID YOU KNOW? Every child who visits Wayfinder’s Cottage is given a “comfort kit,” filled with new items, including a stuffed animal, pajamas, sweatshirt, hygiene kit, book, and blanket.

NEW HEIGHTS • 5

Junior Blind has a new name! WAYFINDER FAMILY SERVICES

Katrina’s brother Jackson (left) got to be her Sighted Buddy through The Buddy Program at Camp Bloomfield. The Buddy Program gives sighted children an opportunity to volunteer and participate alongside our visually impaired campers.

Mason’s brother Logan (right) and Logan’s best friend Walker are both also Sighted Buddies.

(continued from page 2)

Side by Side GIVE A CAMPER THEIR HAPPIEST SUMMER EVER!

The enriching experience at Camp Bloomfield is funded 100% by friends like you!

Please consider a gift to Camp Bloomfield so that more children like Katrina and Mason can experience “the happiest place on earth.” www.wayfinderfamily.org/ap18c

you will find Katrina and Mason in the music room.

Away from camp, they maintain their friendship by playing music, taking walks and going to church.

Katrina’s partial vision gives the two friends more freedom to explore, and Mason has picked up some skills from her. “I’ve learned how to pay at restaurants,” he says. “She’s even helped me fold laundry.”

This summer, both Katrina and Mason will be at Camp Bloomfield. “It really felt like a second home,” says Mason. “They sing the camp song to welcome you. It’s like a version of Disneyland, you know, the happiest place on earth.”

After high school, Mason wants to be a musician and start a band. Katrina plans to become a special education teacher while also teaching mixed martial arts.

“I hope Mason and I continue to be good friends, whether we have negative times or positive times,” says Katrina. “I hope that Camp Bloomfield will continue to be a great and wonderful camp.”

You can ensure that stories like Katrina’s and Mason’s continue to be part of the story of Camp Bloomfield.

Please make your most generous gift today!

•

WAYFINDER MOMENTS

2018 BEEPER EGG HUNTS

Thanks to all of our Blind Babies Foundation families, staff, volunteers and sponsors who made this year’s Beeper Egg Hunts in the Bay Area and Central Valley a wonderful experience for our young Wayfinders!

Bay Area Sponsors GOLDEN EGG Zeiss MALTED EGG Kaiser Permanente CARAMEL EGG Clare and Jack Friedman Union Bank CANDIED EGG Deborah Orel-Bixler and Jay Bixler Dottie Bridge and Fernando Robleto Foster City Lions Club Elaine Elkin Mike Nicco Walnut Creek Host Lions Club Beeper Egg Hunt photos courtesy of volunteers Delia Alvarez, Roman Fan and Rey Herevia.

Central Valley Sponsors GOLDEN EGG Little Caesars Rowley Ranch Zeiss MALTED EGG Eye Surgical and Medical Associates, Inc. CARAMEL EGG John & Veronica Coelho Linda & Robert Glassman Tulare Host Lions Club Wells Fargo CANDIED EGG Dottie Bridge & Fernando Robleto Cabrillo Civic Club of Tulare County #12 Roma Lodge #1573

NEW HEIGHTS • 7

Junior Blind has a new name! WAYFINDER FAMILY SERVICES

Camp Bloomfield 2018 DATES Family Camp #1 (All ages) Sunday, July 1 – Wednesday, July 4 Youth Camp (Ages 8-12) Friday, July 6 – Wednesday, July 11 Teen Camp (Ages 13-18) Tuesday, July 17 – Saturday, July 21 Paralympic Sports Camp (Ages 10-18) Monday, July 23 – Friday, July 27 Dream Team Camp (Ages 10-18) Sunday, July 29 – Wednesday, August 1 Family Camp #2 (All Ages) Friday, August 3 – Monday, August 6 Adult Camp (Ages 18+) Thursday, August 9 – Monday, August 13

Register today: www.wayfinderfamily.org/camp MISSION

PURPOSE

SIDE BY SIDE PERFORMANCE WEB EXCLUSIVE Did you enjoy reading about Mason and Katrina’s sweet friendship?

VALUES

Check out a video of them singing together on our website: www.wayfinderfamily.org/side

Wayfinder Family Services ensures that children, youth and adults facing challenges always have a place to turn.

We strive for a world in which every child and family can overcome the obstacles they face—a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

We put people first.

There’s extraordinary potential in the people we work with, and we do everything in our power to facilitate their success.

We listen to all voices.

We invite everyone—our families, our volunteers, and our staff—to speak openly, and we believe that there’s value in every viewpoint.

We get where we need to go.

No challenge is too great. With careful, thoughtful planning, we follow through on even our loftiest goals.

We strive to do even better.

We see every day as an opportunity to go further than we did yesterday, and we give children and families what they need to propel themselves forward, too.

We never give up.

Our support is unwavering. We will always be there for our children and families.

#WayfinderMoments Follow @wayfinderfamily Experience @wayfinderfamily

Give with trust.

Main Campus 5300 Angeles Vista Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90043 (323) 295-4555 www.wayfinderfamily.org